President Gomez Honored

On Thursday, November 15, Hostos President David Gómez was honored by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. at the Puerto Rican Heritage celebration.
 
The Borough President lauded President Gómez’s commitment to the College and the Bronx at the annual event. “I appreciate the fact that he brings a civic-mindedness to being President of Hostos and partnering with the Bronx, not just my office, but so many other institutions—cultural institutions, educational institutions—to make sure that the Bronx is going to be bigger and better than ever,” he said.
 
In a fireside chat facilitated by the Borough President, President Gómez reflected on his humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his parents, such as the critical importance of education and pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. President Gómez—who has been with CUNY for 44 years and whose history with Hostos dates back to 1974—went on to express his pride in the College and its ongoing commitment to serving the people of the South Bronx. He later reflected on his experience contributing to the recovery effort in Puerto Rico this past summer alongside the Borough President and CUNY students, including a few from Hostos.
 
Snow may have been falling outside, but the atmosphere at the celebratory event was as inviting and warm. Guests enjoyed an evening of music, dancing, and delicious Puerto Rican cuisine, as well as the Borough President’s fireside conversations with the honorees and their proud family members.
 
Other Puerto Rican community leaders and change-makers honored throughout the evening included Dr. Iraida V. Carrion, Associate Professor at the School of Social Work at the University of South Florida; Eileen Torres, Executive Director at BronxWorks; and Lorraine Montenegro, Co-founder of the United Bronx Parents Inc. and Founder of La Casita, who was honored posthumously.